Technology

PACS

Picture Archival Communication Systems (PACS)

Picture Archival Communication Systems (PACS) is an industry term for the equipment and software that permits Radiology images (X-rays, Ultrasound, CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, etc.) to be electronically acquired, stored and transmitted for viewing. Authorized users, on viewing workstations located throughout Scottsdale Healthcare, can call up stored images.

How does PACS improve patient care?

In a film environment, x-rays are combined with previous studies and stored in a file system. This requires many people to handle the films and can delay immediate access to some records. In a PACS environment, as soon as the study is complete, the technologist electronically sends the images to the PACS archive. PACS stored images are immediately viewable at either campus, permitting immediate review by physicians.

Immediate access to images means radiologists can provide quicker reporting. Since archived images are quickly available on-line, the previous need for off-site storage and retrieval of xray jackets is unnecessary. PACS is a fast and reliable method of storing and viewing images that speeds physician consultation and diagnosis.

Scottsdale Healthcare’s commitment to PACS

Scottsdale Healthcare selected GE Medical Systems, an industry leader in PACS technology that has dedicated considerable focus to PACS research and development, as its PACS vendor. PACS is provided throughout both the Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn and Scottsdale Healthcare Shea hospitals, bringing the advantages of this exciting technology to the benefit of Radiology patients and their physicians.

Nationally, Scottsdale Healthcare is one of a few healthcare systems that have successfully integrated PACS in a two-hospital system. Scottsdale Healthcare continues to refine our PACS installation to provide images to our physician offices and enhance the benefits of this technology for the community.

View an article about Scottsdale Healthcare's PACS project at www.healthmgttech.com